Doesn't matter what type of dog you have, the clicker training method is one of the most effective and impressive for controlling and dictating a dog’s behaviour when trying to teach them fundamental commands. It takes very little time to grasp the clicker training method and with a well operated clicker, you can teach your dog nearly anything.
How The Clicker Training Method Works
The idea behind clicker training method is that you’re teaching your dog to associate the noise of the clicker - a strong, sharp sound that they can hear from 20+ yards away - with a precise command you give. The goal of the training is to mark specific desired behaviour and then reward it with the sound of the clicker.
Of course the clicker training method does not initiate with a clicker. You must first instruct your dog that the clicker is a reward for fine behaviour. This can be completed with a bag of treats and a plain, two dollar clicker from your local pet store.
It is essential that you use a clicker in this instance for a number of factors. To begin with, a dog will never hear that clicker for any reason other than to tell them they did a good job and that a treat is on the way. A word or verbal command might be given in different situations and the relationship in their head is not quite as strong because of it.
How The Clicker Training Method is Done
When you start training your dog to react to a clicker, there are three very fundamental steps. First, you will get the behaviour - convincing your dog to do something that you desire. It may be sitting, speaking, rolling over, or whatever other tricks you’re trying to teach. Once you’ve gotten them to carry out their behaviour, mark it with the clicker and a reward.
It usually only takes two or three markings before a dog learns what the behaviour they did was and begins repeating it whenever you use the clicker. The clicker training method works well because they will immediately react, enabling you to reward them and instantly instil it in their minds. A verbal command will take time to get through.
Once the dog has completed the behaviour and received their reward, carry on doing it to reinforce the behaviour as much as possible. You do not have to use treats each time. Praise and petting work just as well and can ultimately replace the behaviour.
Transitioning to a Command
Once the dog has learned the behaviour well, the clicker training method will have you transition to a spoken command that can be used anywhere, even when you don’t have a clicker. Whenever you are about to use the clicker, say the command and then click, followed by the reward. The dog will quickly learn to associate all three.
Eventually, with a good clicker training method, a dog will react to a verbal cue and praise for their action and then they will simply learn it. The need for treats or praise will be gone and the dog will simply know that the action pleases you.
As you might imagine, the clicker training method has a number of functions. It can make training your dog so much easier in many ways. With a simple, sharp command, you can mark and strengthen almost any behaviour.
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